Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress. Visiting scenic mountains, beaches and discovering unique cultures and traditions can give you a more positive and fresher perspective in life. Whether you are on a full-on vacation getaway or doing business in a distant place, a new environment would surely do you good— mentally, physically, and emotionally.

However, before we are travelers, we are stewards of nature. Thus, we must observe strict environmental rules when traveling and leave no harmful marks behind.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one way to promote the preservation of the environment and natural resources. Carbon footprint is the total effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane released through the burning of fossil fuels, food production, transportation, and other human activities that pollute the water, land, and air. In other words, carbon footprint is the mark you leave upon the environment.

Make a difference by practicing these traveling habits listed below.

Pack less
When traveling, try to pack a bag or two and avoid bringing heavy suitcases and trunks. It would be more convenient for you if you only take valuables highly necessary for your trip. What more? Light luggage helps your car save energy and reduce pollution from combustion.

Ride public transportations
Instead of driving your car or motorbike, it is highly advisable to take public transportation such as trains and buses. Isn’t it more fun to travel in a group and enjoy interesting conversations along the way? Plus, there are many other benefits of riding the bus, including cheaper travel costs, less traffic, and a healthier environment. You take one vehicle off the street, and you’re helping save nature.

Reduce, reuse, recycle
The reduce-reuse-recycle method never fails in helping clear out pollution in the environment. When traveling, it’s better to pack your valuables in eco-friendly bags than plastics, which take years to decay and pollute the land.

Avoid riding airplanes
If you want to save the planet, start by canceling your first-class plane ticket. According to a 2018 study, aircraft have produced 895 tons of carbon dioxide, and that could even go higher if the number of aircraft produced by aviation companies will double or even triple its size. Airplane take-offs and landings already emit a lot of toxic gases.

Take walks more often
For a healthier and cheaper lifestyle, practice walking or biking when going to places, especially if they are not that far. If it is unavoidable to use a car, make sure that you go straight to your destination to shrink the emission of unwanted and harmful gasses in the air.

Truth be told, it is quite impossible not to leave a carbon footprint unless you go back to Stone Age, where technology is nonexistent. However, the little steps we take can make a huge difference.

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on tumblr Share on reddit Share on stumbleupon Share on digg

The Goodies

More Reads